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Australia's leading WTA competitor has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “psychological pressure.”

Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will grow by stepping back, recharging, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my feelings and my physical self.”

She opted to alter nationality after leaving her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been separated from her father, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the home major arrives.

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some events and miss them, although they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”